Display device

ABSTRACT

This display device provides a changeable screen formed from collectively exposed portions of flexible elements movable about associated crosswire elements of a forwardly disposed viewing grid. The device includes intermediate and rearward grids in register with the viewing grid, and the flexible elements, which extend between the forward and rearward grids, can be secured to the intermediate grid for movement with said grid so that the flexible elements move relative to the viewing grid and present a changing screen surface on the viewing grid. The exposable portions of the flexible elements can be impressed with spaced images for sequential presentation on the changeable screen. Another species of the device provides for independent movement of color impressed flexible elements for the creation of selected color patterns on the changeable screen.

- United States Patent [191 Sweeney et al.

[ 1 DISPLAY DEVICE [76] Inventors: John Sweeney; John Terrence Sweeney, both of l l 1 Alice Dr., OFallon, 111. 62269 22 riled? Oct. 14, 1971 21 .Appl. No.: 189,158

[52] US. Cl 40/28 R, 40/32, 40/l06.5l [51] Int. Cl. G09f 11/00 [58] Field of Search .L 35/15, 26, 75, 76;

40/28 R, 28 C, 30, 31, 32, 36, 52 R, 65, 67, 78, l06.51-l06.53; 273/155 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,626,496 4/1927 Archipenko 40/32 X 3,656,248 4/1972 Echter .f. 40/32 619,052 2/1899 5 Stafford 40/31 2,439,583 4/1948 "Shamah 35/15 X 3,363,334 l/l968 Watkin 35/28 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 286,521 6/1915 Germany 35/15 Apr. 30, 1974 Primary Examiner-'-Roben W. Michell Assistant ExaminerVance Y. Hum

' [57] ABSTRACT This display device provides a changeable screen formed from collectively exposed portions of flexible elements movable about associated crosswire elements of a forwardly disposed viewing grid. The device includes intermediate and rearward grids in register with the viewing grid, and the flexible elements, which extend between the forward and rearward grids, can be secured to the intermediate grid for movement with said grid so that the flexible elements move relative to the viewing grid and present a changing screen surface on the viewing grid. The exposable portions of the flexible elements can be impressed with spaced images for sequential presentation on the changeable screen.

Another species of the device provides for independent movement of color impressed flexible elements for the creation of selected color patterns on the changeable screen.

6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures DISPLAY DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to a display device and in particular to a device for displaying a succession of images on a changeable screen.

Display devices are known in which the effect of motion is achieved by passing continuous, relatively wide belts over adjacent flat-faced plattems arranged one above the other so that a succession of vertically arranged horizontal strips is presented to the viewer. Display devices are also known in which vertically spaced pairs of horizontal rollers are used to achieve substantially the same purpose, and the relatively wide belts used in such devices form flat horizontal strips as they pass between associated pairs of spaced rollers. Such prior art devices have limited use because the illusion of motion is not satisfactorily created by the movement of elongate surfaces.

Moreover, prior art devices are further limited in that they are adapted only to display data printed upon the face of the belt. There is no known device which provides a means of creating displays on a changeable screen by moving flexible elements, which collectively form the screen face, independently of each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This display device utilizes a plurality of flexible elements, such as cords, which are movable about crosswire elements of a forward viewing grid to provide a changeable screen, made up of exposed portions of the cords. The screen displays visible images or other data impressed on the cords.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device having a forwardly disposed viewing grid having a'relatively fixed rearward grid connected to the forward grid. An intermediate grid is also provided which is movable between the forward and rearward grids. COntinuous cords disposed about the crosswires of the forward and rearward grids are secured to the intermediate grid for orbital movement about the forward and rearward grids as the intermediate grid moves between said grids.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device having rearward and intermediate grids which are movable relative to the forward grid. The cords are noncontinuous and are attached at one end to the intermediate grid, and at the other end to the rearward grid. The cords are movable about the crosswires of the forward viewing grid as the intermediate and rearward grids are moved relative to each other.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device having relatively fixed forward and rearward grids having a plurality of continuous cords disposed about associated crosswires, the cords being provided with color impressions for the creation of color patterns on the changeable screen. The cords are orbited about associated crosswires by means of a movable belt which may be urged into contact with individual cords to impart movement thereto.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of storing data by the steps of passing a plurality of cords about associated crosswires; moving said cords to a position to impress data thereupon; and moving said impressed cord portions to a storage position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device in which the flexible cords have been generally omitted for clarity;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the changeable screen with the cords in one position;

FIG. 3 is a similar view to FIG. 2 with the cords in another position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail of the changeable screen;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a similar view to FIG. 5 illustrating a modified mounting arrangement of the cords; and

.FIG. 7 is a similar view to FIG. 5 illustrating another species of the device in which the flexible cords are independently movable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now by characters of reference to the drawings and first to FIGS. 1-5 it will be understood that the display device comprises essentially a plurality of relatively finely meshed grids. The grids are substantially identical in construction and include a forward viewing grid 10, an intermediate grid 11 and a rearward grid 12. A plurality of cords 13 and 14, constituting flexible elements, extends between the forward and rearward grids l0 and 12 and each of the cords 13 and 14 is secured to the intermediate grid 11.

Grid 10, which constitutes a first grid means, is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and includes a frame 15 having opposed pairs of sides 16 and 17. The grid 10 includes a wire mesh defined by a plurality of transversely related, horizontal and vertical crosswires 20 and 21 constituting grid elements extending between said sides. Although in the embodiment illustrated the mesh is formed from crosswires in the same plane as each other this is not essential for the operation of the device. In the preferred embodiment the cords l3 and 14 are arranged in spaced herringbone pattern and are substantially equally divided into cords 13 providing horizontally oriented viewing surfaces and cords 14 providing vertically oriented viewing surfaces.

Grids 11 and 12, which together constitute a second grid means, are substantially identically formed to grid 10. Rearward grid 12 includes a frame 22 having opposed pairs of sides 23 and 24 elongate crosswires 25 and 26 respectively extending therebetween. Grids 10 and 12 are interconnected by elongate corner rods 27, which are fixedly attached to the grids as by welding, to provide a substantially rigid box frame, which is car ried by supports 38 and 39. Intermediate grid 11 includes a frame 30 having opposed pairs of sides 31 and 32 with elongate crosswires 33 and 34 respectively ex tending therebetween. Each corner of the intermediate grid frame 32 is provided with an aperture 35 which slidably receives an associated rod 27 and by virtue of this arrangement grid 11 is slidably movable between grids l0 and 12. In order to effectuate such movement sides 32 of the intermediate frame 30 are each provided with outstanding lugs 36 to which identical forces maybe simultaneously applied. The applied forces are provided by hydraulic rams, generally indicated by numeral 37, in the preferred embodiment.

The flexible cords 13 and 14 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 are continuous and, as shown clearly in FIGS. 4 and 5, are disposed about associated crosswires of grids l and 12. For example, continuous cords 13 are disposed about vertical crosswires 21 and 26 of grids 10 and 12 respectively. Continuous cords 14, on the other hand, are disposed about horizontal crosswires 20 and 25 of grids 10 and 12 respectively. As shown in FIG. cords 14 are secured, as by cement, to associated crosswires 33 and by this arrangement said cords l4 orbit about the corresponding crosswires 20 and 25 of grids and 12 respectively when the intermediate frame 1 1 is moved between the forward and rearward frames 10 and 12. Likewise, cords 13 are secured to associated crosswires 34 for movement about corresponding cross-wires 21 and 26 of grids 10 and 12 respectively. With this overall arrangement, movement of the intermediate grid 11 toward the viewing grid 10 causes the exposed portions of allof the cords, viewed from the front of the device, to be selectively changed. The screen, provided by the exposed arcuate portions of the cords 13 and 14, as shown for example in FIG. 4, therefore constantly changes as the cords l3 and 14 are orbited about the crosswires of the viewing grid 10. Thus, data impressed upon cords 13 and 14 such as the visual data generally indicated by numerals 40 and 41 in FIGS. 4 and 5 is momentarily exposed. By impressing images on the cords in a predetermined manner, changing patterns such as those indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3 become selectively visible. In the embodiment indicated by FIGS. l-5 all of the cords 13 and 14 are secure'd to the intermediate grid 11 and they therefore move simultaneously.

It will be understood that a series of blanket images can be impressed upon the screen as a whole by impressing collectively the relatively small arcuate elements forming the screen and that specific relationships can be established between such images to provide the effect of pictures in motion as the intermediate grid 11 moves back and forth between grids 10 and 12. The particular structural arrangement of parts of the first embodiment in FIGS. l-5 in which continuous cords are utilized, permits both grid 10 and grid 12 to be used as viewing grids if desired.

' FIG. 6 illustrates a modification of the device. In FIG. 6 corresponding parts are given the same reference numeral as for the embodiment of FIGS. l-5 already described except that prefix 1 is added. In this modification grid 110 constituting a first grid means is fixed. Grids l 1 1 and 112, together constituting a second grid means, are both slidably movable along rods 127 which are fixed at one end to grid 110 and at their other end to a support 139. In order to orbit the cords, for example cord 114, in a counterclockwise direction grid 111 is moved to the left by applying force from rams 137 to the outstanding lugs 136. To move the cord 114 in a clockwise direction force from rams 137a is applied to lug 1360 of grid 112. It will be understood that in lieu of a double ram system a single ram system may be used in conjunction with a return means such as a tension spring system extending for example between grid 112 and support 139.

FIG. 7 illustrates another modification of the device. In this modification corresponding parts are given the same reference numeral as for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 except that prefix 2 is added. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7 is constructed in such a fashion that the cords 214, which are preferably all oriented in the same direction, are movable independently of each other. The intermediate grid is omitted in this embodiment and the cords 214 are thereby free to orbit about elongate elements 216 and 225 of the grids 2l0'and 212 respectively these grids being relatively fixed in position. The cords 214 are impressed with data, for example color strips, as indicated by. numerals 240a, 240b and 2400 respectively. When it is desired to change the color exposed at the front of the device, the particular cord 214 is orbited until such color is exposed to a front viewer. Movement of the cords 214 can be effectuated by means of a continuously moving belt 250 which is spaced a short distance from the rear of the bank of cords 214. When the continuously moving belt 250 is urged into engagement with the arcuate portion of a cord 214 as by applying pressure to said belt 250, for'example by means of a roller 251 mounted at the end of a bifurcatedshaft 252, the cord 214 is orbitally moved until the desired color is exposed.

It is thought that the structural features and functional advantages of this display device have become fully apparent from the foregoing description of parts, but for completeness of disclosure the operation of each species will be briefly summarized.

Common to all species is the provision of a front viewable screen formed from a wire mesh grid having mesh apertures which are occupied by exposed, arcuate cord portions the cords being movable about associated grid elements.

In the first and second embodiments the exposed cord portions, in effect, provide a blank screen on which visible data can be impressed as by painting, or by photography using photosensitive cords. The device is not limited to visible data and if desired magnetically induced, non-visible data can be impressed on suitably prepared cords.

By moving the intermediate screen 11 toward the outer screen 10 a different cord portion can be presented to receive a new impression. By impressing related visible images onto the cords at suitable intervals an illusion of motion is provided with the cords are played back. The provision of a large number of relatively small areas to form a screen produces an effect similar to half tone printing and the images formed are easily discernible by the human eye. It will be understood that movement of the changeable screen may be arrested as desired to produce a still picture.

The embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7 permits the creation of color patterns, or patterns of other data, through the independent movement of individual cords. It will be understood that although only one roller is shown in FIG. 7 a bank of rollers may be placed adjacent to associated cords so that several cords may be moved at one time. It will be further understood that individual rollers 251 may be actuated by means of a keyboard or similar mechanism [not shown].

We claim as our invention:

1. A display device comprising:

a. first grid means including opposed sides and a plurality of grid elements extending between said sides, said grid elements being transversely related to each other in intersecting relation to form mesh apertures said first grid means providing a forwardly disposed viewing grid,

b. a second grid means disposed rearwardly of said first grid means including opposed sides and a plurality of grid elements extending between said sides to form mesh apertures substantially in register with the mesh apertures of said first grid means, said second grid means providing a rearwardly dispose d grid and an intermediate grid, the rearward and intermediate grids including a plurality of transversely related grid elements substantially in register with the grid elements of the first grid means,

c. a plurality of flexible elements each including an outer face, having display portions thereon, each flexible element being secured to an associated grid element of the intermediate grid of the second grid means and each flexible element being disposed about an associated grid element of the first grid means to display a selected portion of said outer face, said displayed portions collectively providing an exposed screen, and

d. means moving said second grid means relative to said first grid means to move said flexible elements about the grid elements of the first grid means to provide a changeable screen.

2. A display device as defined in claim 1, in which:

e. the flexible elements are provided by continuous cords orbitally movable about the grid elements of the first grid means.

3. A display device as defined in claim 1, in which:

e. the flexible elements include opposed ends, one of said ends being secured to the grid elements of the intermediate grid and the other of said ends being secured to the grid elements of the rearward grid.

4. A display device comprising:

a. a first grid means including a forward grid having opposed sides and a plurality of crosswires extending between said sides, said crosswires being perpendicularly related to each other in intersecting relation to form mesh apertures,

b. a second grid means disposed rearwardly of said first grid means including intermediate and rearward grids each having opposed sides and a plurality of crosswires substantially parallel with the crosswires of the forward grid and extending between said sides to form mesh apertures substantially in register with the mesh apertures of said first grid means,

c. a plurality of cords each including an outer face having display portions thereon, each cord being secured to an associated crosswire of the intermediate grid and each cord being disposed about an associated crosswire of the forward grid to display a selected portion of said outer face, said displayed portions collectively providing an exposed screen, and

d. means moving said second grid means relative to said first grid means to move said cords about the crosswires of the forward grid to provide a changeable screen.

5. A display device as defined in claim 4, in which:

e. the flexible elements are provided by continuous cords orbitally movable about the crosswires of the forward grid and the crosswires of the rearward grid,

f. said forward and rearward grids are fixed, and

g. said intermediate grid is movable relative to said forward and rearward grids.

- 6. A display comprising:

a. grid means including a plurality of grid elements transversely related to each other in intersecting relation to form horizontally and vertically aligned mesh apertures,

b. a plurality of rearwardly extending flexible elements having display portions thereon each flexible element being disposed in looped arcuate relation about an associated grid element to display arcuate portions of said looped flexible elements in adjacent mesh apertures said displayed portions substantially filling the horizontally and vertically aligned mesh apertures without overlap and collectively providing a data impressed screen, and

0. means moving said flexible elements about said grid elements to provide a changeable data screen. 

1. A display device comprising: a. first grid means including opposed sides and a plurality of grid elements extending between said sides, said grid elements being transversely related to each other in intersecting relation to form mesh apertures said first grid means providing a forwardly disposed viewing grid, b. a second grid means disposed rearwardly of said first grid means including opposed sides and a plurality of grid elements extending between said sides to form mesh apertures substantially in register with the mesh apertures of said first grid means, said second grid means providing a rearwardly disposed grid and an intermediate grid, the rearward and intermediate grids including a plurality of transversely related grid elements substantially in register with the grid elements of the first grid means, c. a plurality of flexible elements each including an outer face, having display portions thereon, each flexible element being secured to an associated grid element of the intermediate grid of the second grid means and each flexible element being disposed about an associated grid element of the first grid means to display a selected portion of said outer face, said displayed portions collectively providing an exposed screen, and d. means moving said second grid means relative to said first grid means to move said flexible elements about the grid elements of the first grid means to provide a changeable screen.
 2. A display device as defined in claim 1, in which: e. the flexible elements are provided by continuous cords orbitAlly movable about the grid elements of the first grid means.
 3. A display device as defined in claim 1, in which: e. the flexible elements include opposed ends, one of said ends being secured to the grid elements of the intermediate grid and the other of said ends being secured to the grid elements of the rearward grid.
 4. A display device comprising: a. a first grid means including a forward grid having opposed sides and a plurality of crosswires extending between said sides, said crosswires being perpendicularly related to each other in intersecting relation to form mesh apertures, b. a second grid means disposed rearwardly of said first grid means including intermediate and rearward grids each having opposed sides and a plurality of crosswires substantially parallel with the crosswires of the forward grid and extending between said sides to form mesh apertures substantially in register with the mesh apertures of said first grid means, c. a plurality of cords each including an outer face having display portions thereon, each cord being secured to an associated crosswire of the intermediate grid and each cord being disposed about an associated crosswire of the forward grid to display a selected portion of said outer face, said displayed portions collectively providing an exposed screen, and d. means moving said second grid means relative to said first grid means to move said cords about the crosswires of the forward grid to provide a changeable screen.
 5. A display device as defined in claim 4, in which: e. the flexible elements are provided by continuous cords orbitally movable about the crosswires of the forward grid and the crosswires of the rearward grid, f. said forward and rearward grids are fixed, and g. said intermediate grid is movable relative to said forward and rearward grids.
 6. A display comprising: a. grid means including a plurality of grid elements transversely related to each other in intersecting relation to form horizontally and vertically aligned mesh apertures, b. a plurality of rearwardly extending flexible elements having display portions thereon each flexible element being disposed in looped arcuate relation about an associated grid element to display arcuate portions of said looped flexible elements in adjacent mesh apertures said displayed portions substantially filling the horizontally and vertically aligned mesh apertures without overlap and collectively providing a data impressed screen, and c. means moving said flexible elements about said grid elements to provide a changeable data screen. 